New York State, known for its economic diversity and wealth in cities like New York City, also contains towns facing acute economic hardship. Among them, New Square, a small village in Rockland County, stands out as the poorest town in New York by several key measures, including poverty rate and median household income.
Demographics and Location
New Square is a Hasidic Jewish enclave founded in 1954. As of 2025, its population is just under 10,000 and continues to grow slowly. The median age is remarkably low, at 15.8 years, reflecting the community’s large family sizes and high birth rates.
Poverty and Income Statistics
New Square’s economic statistics are stark:
- Poverty Rate: Between 60.8% and 70% of New Square’s residents live below the poverty line, the highest rate in New York and among the highest in the United States.
- Median Household Income: As of 2023, the median household income is $28,880-less than half the statewide median and significantly below the national average.
- SNAP (Food Stamps) Usage: Approximately 77% of households rely on SNAP benefits, compared to a national average of about 13%.
- Educational Attainment: Only 2.4% of adults in New Square have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Unemployment Rate: The five-year average unemployment rate is 8.1%.
| Statistic | New Square, NY | New York State (avg.) | U.S. (avg.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poverty Rate | 60.8–70% | ~14% | ~15% |
| Median Household Income | $28,880 | ~$75,000 | ~$70,000 |
| SNAP Usage | 77% | ~15% | ~13% |
| Bachelor’s Degree or Higher | 2.4% | ~37% | ~35% |
Economic and Social Structure
The economic life of New Square is shaped by its religious and cultural values:
- Workforce Participation: Many men devote themselves to religious study and receive stipends, while women often work as teachers, secretaries, or in local businesses until marriage and motherhood.
- Household Structure: Large families are common, and the community’s religious injunctions against birth control contribute to high dependency ratios.
- Community Support: Despite high poverty rates, the community relies heavily on state and federal social services, as well as internal charitable networks and collective businesses.
- Property Values: Despite low incomes, property values are high, with a median of over $600,000 in 2023, reflecting housing scarcity and demand within the insular community.
Comparison with Other Poor Towns
Other towns with high poverty in New York include Kaser, Monsey, Kiryas Joel, and Binghamton, but none surpass New Square in poverty rate or low median income. For example, Kaser has a poverty rate of 60.4% and median income of $30,320, while Binghamton’s poverty rate is 31.7% with a median income of $42,031.
Why Is New Square So Poor?
Several factors contribute to New Square’s status:
- Demographics: Large family sizes and a young population increase the number of dependents per working adult.
- Religious and Cultural Choices: Many adults prioritize religious study over higher-income employment, and women often leave the workforce after marriage.
- Language and Education: Limited English proficiency and low levels of higher education restrict access to better-paying jobs.
- Reliance on Social Services: The community’s structure is supported by social safety nets, which, while preventing extreme deprivation, keep reported incomes low.
Life in New Square
Despite the economic statistics, New Square does not always display the visible signs of poverty seen elsewhere. The strong community bonds, mutual aid, and social cohesion provide a degree of stability and support for residents. Critics argue that the reliance on public assistance is unsustainable, while supporters point out the community’s low crime rates and strong family values.
New Square, New York, is the poorest town in the state by poverty rate and median income. Its unique cultural, religious, and demographic characteristics shape its economic reality, setting it apart from other impoverished communities in New York and the nation. While the numbers are stark, the lived experience of poverty in New Square is complex, mitigated by internal support systems and a strong sense of community.
Sources:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEuoiAyWYLc
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Square,_New_York
- https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/kiryas-joel
- https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/09/towns-in-new-york-with-the-worst-poverty/
- https://datausa.io/profile/geo/new-square-ny
